Mott MacDonald appoints new global MD

Mike Haigh will be responsible for day-to-day management of 16,000-strong business

Mott MacDonald has appointed Mike Haigh as the new managing director of its global business.

Haigh (pictured) will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operational performance of the whole Mott MacDonald group, which has 16,000 staff working across engineering, management and development consultancy.

He has been promoted from his role as managing director of the firm’s Europe and Africa division, which has more than 7,000 staff and revenue of over £820m.

Haigh joined Mott MacDonald as a graduate engineer in 1981 and worked his way up at the firm before being appointed to its executive board in 2013.

Commenting on his new role, Haigh said: “The needs of the world’s population and technology are changing fast and we have tremendous opportunities to work with our clients and partners to create clever, intelligent solutions that enhance value for them, their stakeholders and the wider society.

“There are exciting times ahead for our industry and Mott MacDonald and I’m delighted to be taking up this role, working with such talented colleagues.”

Keith Howells, Mott MacDonald group chairman, said: “I’ve known Mike since he joined us as a graduate, and I’m delighted to have him running our worldwide operations in his new role as group managing director.”

Building also spoke with David Carey at Turner Townsend, who supports the firm’s staff making overseas transfers, to find out about the employer’s role. What support should the employers give, and which areas are better left for the individual to sort?